![heading east out of the Italian Val di Gardena, the Dolomites keep watch](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443627.pFjFVXcK.jpg) heading east out of the Italian Val di Gardena, the Dolomites keep watch |
![and bicyclists continue to train for next week's one-day/seven-passes race](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443629.ErOdt8gH.jpg) and bicyclists continue to train for next week's one-day/seven-passes race |
![still no end to the remarkable roads...](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443631.7vX0n7B1.jpg) still no end to the remarkable roads... |
![...or vistas: here, the Lago di Pieve di Cadore](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443632.lfCIURdk.jpg) ...or vistas: here, the Lago di Pieve di Cadore |
![Lorenzago di Cadore is set against a backdrop of Friulan Dolomites](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443634.WZyagBPx.jpg) Lorenzago di Cadore is set against a backdrop of Friulan Dolomites |
![we stop to enjoy the town](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443636.ucAyC5Gn.jpg) we stop to enjoy the town |
![gotta love Italy!](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443639.EHjJI4ze.jpg) gotta love Italy! |
![continuing on through the Giulian Alps, and out of Italy](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443640.omBRbdSg.jpg) continuing on through the Giulian Alps, and out of Italy |
![this is the first road sign we see upon entering Slovenia...](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443644.VTwzdhyK.jpg) this is the first road sign we see upon entering Slovenia... |
![...but the scenery is still very nice](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443646.iKKTHInI.jpg) ...but the scenery is still very nice |
![in the capital city Ljubljana, we stroll to Prešeren square, center of the downtown](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443648.YoRBbDUX.jpg) in the capital city Ljubljana, we stroll to Prešeren square, center of the downtown |
![the poet looks over the square...](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443650.5WNRoRvh.jpg) the poet looks over the square... |
![...toward his inamorata Julja](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443652.4iCbNTnu.jpg) ...toward his inamorata Julja |
![crossing the river toward the old town and castle hill](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443654.BjhxaCRj.jpg) crossing the river toward the old town and castle hill |
![g4/66/607666/3/136443656.HkBzVAYq.jpg](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443656.HkBzVAYq.jpg) |
![g4/66/607666/3/136443658.McHzeyfM.jpg](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443658.McHzeyfM.jpg) |
![g4/66/607666/3/136443660.NzwYZIdI.jpg](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443660.NzwYZIdI.jpg) |
![g4/66/607666/3/136443662.ifKk3CwK.jpg](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443662.ifKk3CwK.jpg) |
![g4/66/607666/3/136443664.nBdCdFte.jpg](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443664.nBdCdFte.jpg) |
![heading toward the town hall](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443666.QzN53KT8.jpg) heading toward the town hall |
![g4/66/607666/3/136443668.rl2V8EQ8.jpg](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443668.rl2V8EQ8.jpg) |
![g4/66/607666/3/136443670.KRpV5DKZ.jpg](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443670.KRpV5DKZ.jpg) |
![the streets get narrower as we head toward Stari trg, the old town square](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443672.NFqtwpYq.jpg) the streets get narrower as we head toward Stari trg, the old town square |
![g4/66/607666/3/136443674.FL0fY8mg.jpg](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443674.FL0fY8mg.jpg) |
![g4/66/607666/3/136443676.WHeUkT0H.jpg](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443676.WHeUkT0H.jpg) |
![g4/66/607666/3/136443678.2XzU4W9Z.jpg](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443678.2XzU4W9Z.jpg) |
![g4/66/607666/3/136443680.LGXnJrW9.jpg](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443680.LGXnJrW9.jpg) |
![g4/66/607666/3/136443682.aSrpqEr0.jpg](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443682.aSrpqEr0.jpg) |
![g4/66/607666/3/136443684.gaZpGqY7.jpg](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443684.gaZpGqY7.jpg) |
![g4/66/607666/3/136443708.qGavco2M.jpg](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443708.qGavco2M.jpg) |
![on the Cobbler's Bridge...](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443709.EI0uJ3Sa.jpg) on the Cobbler's Bridge... |
![...a blues band is playing](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443710.2MpOXm8d.jpg) ...a blues band is playing |
![the air is calming as night approaches](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443711.1uZpI7CT.jpg) the air is calming as night approaches |
![g4/66/607666/3/136443712.Qw6Rsn96.jpg](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443712.Qw6Rsn96.jpg) |
![in the Židovska ulica, the old Jewish quarter](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443713.CbEaBcwa.jpg) in the Židovska ulica, the old Jewish quarter |
![g4/66/607666/3/136443714.aAsDdp4O.jpg](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443714.aAsDdp4O.jpg) |
![the national university building](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443715.DM9Oz9f8.jpg) the national university building |
![a view toward the Cobbler's Bridge as night falls](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443716.dP44opah.jpg) a view toward the Cobbler's Bridge as night falls |
![time to head back to the hotel](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443717.z5RXyLu6.jpg) time to head back to the hotel |
![the next day, brighter sun makes the building colors more vivid](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443718.TZlHal1n.jpg) the next day, brighter sun makes the building colors more vivid |
![g4/66/607666/3/136443719.NSejXC2D.jpg](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443719.NSejXC2D.jpg) |
![very progressive recycling!](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443720.tGLiV2me.jpg) very progressive recycling! |
![g4/66/607666/3/136443721.CVU4mBcb.jpg](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443721.CVU4mBcb.jpg) |
![at the Triple Bridge designed by Joze Plecnik](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443722.IknSN3Oj.jpg) at the Triple Bridge designed by Joze Plecnik |
![g4/66/607666/3/136443723.l6dryAt9.jpg](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443723.l6dryAt9.jpg) |
![Tom capturing the bridges](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443724.YVI7LXDS.jpg) Tom capturing the bridges |
![another bridge beckons](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443725.a1imyjAr.jpg) another bridge beckons |
![this one is adorned with love locks...](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443726.mL12N3Wb.jpg) this one is adorned with love locks... |
![...and a sculptural riff on Masaccio by Jakov Brdar](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443728.l67IlnKF.jpg) ...and a sculptural riff on Masaccio by Jakov Brdar |
![now the Dragon Bridge is in view](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443729.IiNaTgzJ.jpg) now the Dragon Bridge is in view |
![the dragon has become the city's emblem](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443730.ylIzxDbC.jpg) the dragon has become the city's emblem |
![back to the central market at Vodnikov trg](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443731.3KkUibsp.jpg) back to the central market at Vodnikov trg |
![we are tempted by a winding path up to the castle...](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443732.lEjP04Qa.jpg) we are tempted by a winding path up to the castle... |
![...but opt for the funicular to ease our way...](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443733.KJtt96I8.jpg) ...but opt for the funicular to ease our way... |
![...and get this view of the city](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443734.6SzyJ9mf.jpg) ...and get this view of the city |
![here's another angle on the Dragon Bridge](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443735.xYRiSnVU.jpg) here's another angle on the Dragon Bridge |
![inside the castle](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443736.CQoRdajh.jpg) inside the castle |
![a few interior spaces are preserved; here, as an art gallery](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443737.Xsihcmex.jpg) a few interior spaces are preserved; here, as an art gallery |
![g4/66/607666/3/136443738.O594PAQ3.jpg](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443738.O594PAQ3.jpg) |
![g4/66/607666/3/136443741.TwQhTewP.jpg](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443741.TwQhTewP.jpg) |
![inside the Slovenian history museum](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443742.MhrDYztV.jpg) inside the Slovenian history museum |
![horseshoes from the 15th~17th century](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443743.HbRwf205.jpg) horseshoes from the 15th~17th century |
![a cheery plague painting](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443744.8ob7zRj9.jpg) a cheery plague painting |
![vases carved from WWI artillery shells](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443745.BjrPP0IV.jpg) vases carved from WWI artillery shells |
![an identity flag pin from a resettled citizen just after WWII](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443746.J4YQBPla.jpg) an identity flag pin from a resettled citizen just after WWII |
![pre-Euro currency with images of Plecnik and Prešeren](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443747.JDDix633.jpg) pre-Euro currency with images of Plecnik and Prešeren |
![we decide to walk down from the castle...](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443748.44EtuVyj.jpg) we decide to walk down from the castle... |
![...taking in views along the south side](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443749.GMLKlWQa.jpg) ...taking in views along the south side |
![g4/66/607666/3/136443750.BSyvkoi0.jpg](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443750.BSyvkoi0.jpg) |
![g4/66/607666/3/136443751.mJ3hxx5Z.jpg](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443751.mJ3hxx5Z.jpg) |
![the alley narrows...](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443752.lXkUp67b.jpg) the alley narrows... |
![...but a helpful sign points to the old town](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443754.0bmRIbKj.jpg) ...but a helpful sign points to the old town |
![g4/66/607666/3/136443755.EDQIjer5.jpg](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443755.EDQIjer5.jpg) |
![g4/66/607666/3/136443756.5bUAnHJ6.jpg](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443756.5bUAnHJ6.jpg) |
![at the town hall](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443757.925eHFMK.jpg) at the town hall |
![hmmm... we should come back in 14 years to test the predictions](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443758.NKHp4J5T.jpg) hmmm... we should come back in 14 years to test the predictions |
![g4/66/607666/3/136443759.l920kN9s.jpg](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443759.l920kN9s.jpg) |
![g4/66/607666/3/136443760.01oDeuKQ.jpg](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443760.01oDeuKQ.jpg) |
![a statue of Ivan Hribar, beloved mayor from the turn of the 20th century](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443761.1PiqaPAO.jpg) a statue of Ivan Hribar, beloved mayor from the turn of the 20th century |
![we have no idea what this says](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443762.LxYyF9OC.jpg) we have no idea what this says |
![passing the national library on the way to the city museum](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443763.ImEcqgeC.jpg) passing the national library on the way to the city museum |
![g4/66/607666/3/136443764.AaXFCfZh.jpg](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443764.AaXFCfZh.jpg) |
![g4/66/607666/3/136443765.i8Qbm8NR.jpg](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443765.i8Qbm8NR.jpg) |
![g4/66/607666/3/136443766.yzm3vA0I.jpg](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443766.yzm3vA0I.jpg) |
![now we are following the alleys to the southern neighborhood of Krakovo...](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443767.JSLGZmmO.jpg) now we are following the alleys to the southern neighborhood of Krakovo... |
![g4/66/607666/3/136443768.2ecpqHZH.jpg](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443768.2ecpqHZH.jpg) |
![...where urban farms grow produce for the city's restaurants](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443769.VXqyCY81.jpg) ...where urban farms grow produce for the city's restaurants |
![we're in Plecnik country now, heading for his house museum](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443770.bck5rhv2.jpg) we're in Plecnik country now, heading for his house museum |
![he's commemorated on the church with a plaque](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443771.0wfYixHw.jpg) he's commemorated on the church with a plaque |
![g4/66/607666/3/136443775.vt8WJeH4.jpg](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443775.vt8WJeH4.jpg) |
![back in town, the river seems very calm now](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443776.ABqiWFUc.jpg) back in town, the river seems very calm now |
![g4/66/607666/3/136443777.qAu1cWzl.jpg](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443777.qAu1cWzl.jpg) |
![g4/66/607666/3/136443778.W7mXFnc3.jpg](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443778.W7mXFnc3.jpg) |
![dragon imagery everywhere](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443779.A8YC6x52.jpg) dragon imagery everywhere |
![g4/66/607666/3/136443780.uVPAGX07.jpg](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443780.uVPAGX07.jpg) |
![g4/66/607666/3/136443781.aqU9ciXX.jpg](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443781.aqU9ciXX.jpg) |
![the next day, we start at the Serbian orthodox church...](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443782.5aIinBao.jpg) the next day, we start at the Serbian orthodox church... |
![...dedicated to saints Cyril and Methodius](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443785.Pw8WHtg4.jpg) ...dedicated to saints Cyril and Methodius |
![g4/66/607666/3/136443783.4Hfisn8L.jpg](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443783.4Hfisn8L.jpg) |
![g4/66/607666/3/136443784.WqP7q8s0.jpg](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443784.WqP7q8s0.jpg) |
![then on to the National Museum's collection of Roman stone art...](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443786.47yvVhmp.jpg) then on to the National Museum's collection of Roman stone art... |
![g4/66/607666/3/136443787.uvkFiaek.jpg](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443787.uvkFiaek.jpg) |
![...including some massive tombs](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443788.mpM7lKwk.jpg) ...including some massive tombs |
![the opera house](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443789.db5i25Vu.jpg) the opera house |
![the American embassy](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443790.wpxBtFFS.jpg) the American embassy |
![at the modern art museum... oh, no, has there been a theft?](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443791.q7oJX4fv.jpg) at the modern art museum... oh, no, has there been a theft? |
![or... is it art?](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443792.7cOw3qh1.jpg) or... is it art? |
![crossing the highway, we're in Ljubljana's Tivoli garden...](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443793.eUTl6udg.jpg) crossing the highway, we're in Ljubljana's Tivoli garden... |
![...where a photo exhibit of Jazz musicians by Ziga Koritnik is on display](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443794.kvF1fPJM.jpg) ...where a photo exhibit of Jazz musicians by Ziga Koritnik is on display |
![taking a leafy walk...](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443796.86Rpn9on.jpg) taking a leafy walk... |
![...up to the museum of graphic arts](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443797.XVtVo8mJ.jpg) ...up to the museum of graphic arts |
![g4/66/607666/3/136443798.xeQO54DL.jpg](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443798.xeQO54DL.jpg) |
![g4/66/607666/3/136443799.yKwLXndb.jpg](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443799.yKwLXndb.jpg) |
![back in the city, we pass the ministry of finance...](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443801.VQKgC66P.jpg) back in the city, we pass the ministry of finance... |
![...and turn down some smaller streets again](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443802.crlP9JpY.jpg) ...and turn down some smaller streets again |
![g4/66/607666/3/136443803.a0Ls2icD.jpg](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443803.a0Ls2icD.jpg) |
![g4/66/607666/3/136443804.AgV8m9O6.jpg](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443804.AgV8m9O6.jpg) |
![here's an homage to the region's unique salamander](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443805.sRXbJxyf.jpg) here's an homage to the region's unique salamander |
![g4/66/607666/3/136443806.5n0zXOX4.jpg](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443806.5n0zXOX4.jpg) |
![Ljubljana bids us farewell, as we set our sights on Austria](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443807.pZiMJcm6.jpg) Ljubljana bids us farewell, as we set our sights on Austria |
![panorama: Prešeren square: the Ljubljana triplets](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443809.RAx9Sd2m.jpg) panorama: Prešeren square: the Ljubljana triplets |
![panorama: Cobbler's Bridge](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443810.nE3HyMlu.jpg) panorama: Cobbler's Bridge |
![panorama: from the castle rampart](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443811.qYSLqmXJ.jpg) panorama: from the castle rampart |
![panorama: hiking down from the castle](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/66/607666/3/136443812.SwtIL6FE.jpg) panorama: hiking down from the castle |